MLB Rumors: Marlins Interested in Francisco Liriano?

One of the top priorities for the Miami Marlins entering the 0ff-season was to add a starting pitcher to their rotation. The team’s supposedly inquired about veteran James Shields, but I don’t believe the Marlins will end up dishing out the kind of money that it could cost to land him.

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The team has also been linked to Justin Masterson. You can also add Pirates pitcher Francisco Liriano to the list of the pitchers the Marlins are interested in, according to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald.

"Add these names to the short list of free agent pitchers of interest to the Marlins: Francisco Liriano (7-10, 3.38 for Pittsburgh) and Brandon Morrow (42-43, 4.28 in eight seasons for Seattle and Toronto)."

Liriano, like Shields, would cost the Marlins their first round draft pick, as he declined his qualifying offer from the Pittsburgh Pirates. Liriano has gone from a former top prospect with the Twins to another reformation project success for the Pirates.

In 2010, Liriano posted a 3.62 ERA and a 2.66 FIP, striking out 24.9% of the hitters he faced that season. He then had a few seasons of tough luck in regards to injuries, before latching on with the Pirates before the 2013 season.

Liriano’s two seasons with the Pirates were pretty successful, as he posted a 3.02 ERA and a 2.92 FIP in 2013 and a a 3.38 ERA and a 3.59 FIP in 2014. He also threw his second and third most innings in 2012 and 2013, throwing over 161 innings in each season.

Adding the 31-year old to the rotation could be a decent move for the Fish. James Shields is projected to earn between $18-$20 million a year on his next free agency deal. He’s also looking at a 4-5 year deal. Liriano could be had for 3-years at around $36-$40 million.

The Marlins haven’t had a strong left handed starting presence in their starting rotation since Scott Olsen (think about that for a second) so adding someone of Liriano’s capability would be an interesting move for the team.